Namtok Sam Lan National Park, National park in Saraburi Province, Thailand
Namtok Sam Lan is a national park in Saraburi Province featuring multiple waterfalls that flow through forested valleys and several reservoirs that collect water during the rainy season. The landscape rises to about 329 meters at its highest point and includes trails through different forest zones with streams and natural pools.
The area suffered significant forest damage during World War II when Japanese forces occupied the region, damage that Thailand began addressing through restoration projects starting in 1960. These reforestation efforts shaped the composition and structure of the forests that visitors see today.
The local community values this land for its role in water management and forest conservation, which supports life downstream in surrounding villages. Local guides often share stories about how the forest once covered much more area before logging reduced it significantly.
The park is open daily with hours typically running from morning through early evening, and visits are best during and shortly after the rainy season when waterfalls flow strongly. Wearing sturdy footwear and bringing plenty of water are important since trails pass through forest areas with uneven terrain.
The park was once home to the white-eyed river martin, a bird species now considered extinct worldwide, making it a significant location in conservation history. Birders and natural history enthusiasts sometimes visit specifically to understand this lost species and its former habitat.
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